We’d be fools not to use our privilege to help those in need: A COVID warrior

Mukesh comes from a humble background. His dad was a teacher and his mother gave tuitions. His brother and he’d distribute sweets on their cycles to earn some extra income. When he turned 16,

Mukesh took over his brother’s business. The business grew quickly, and soon life began improving. Eventually he got married, and with the money he’d earned, he bought a house for his family.

“We’d only be fools not to use our privilege to help those in need. It’s our duty.”

He never thought he’d have the privilege of feeling privileged, but just a couple of weeks back, amidst the Covid-19 chaos, it hit him that he had everything and more -- food, a roof over his head, a loving family and great friends.

So, he decided to start an initiative of feeding the underprivileged and policemen around Ulhasnagar. He reached out to 10 friends, and they all agreed to help. Together, they brainstormed a simple plan -- they’d take turns cooking meals every day, and then go together in 3-4 cars to distribute it.

“We dedicate our entire day to those in need, what better way to spend quarantine time?”

Mukesh and his wife get ready by 6 AM, and distribute biscuits, tea and Bisleri water to the policemen, and any needy people they find on the way. They get home by noon, rest and then start preparing the meals for the day, when it’s their turn to cook. They leave late afternoon, and again distribute the food in their area.

In a day, they distribute 150 cups of chai, 200 containers of rice and daal, 200 containers of sabji roti, 50 water bottles and 70 biscuit packets.

“When I see someone eating the food we’ve cooked, my heart feels full. I’m only able to eat in peace when I know others around me are well-fed.”

The most rewarding part for Mukesh is seeing someone eating the food they’ve cooked or seeing a police officer eagerly waiting for his evening tea and biscuits to arrive. They thank Mukesh and his friends and are always nice to them!

People ask him if he’s sure he wants to do this and if he’s putting his safety at risk. His response is that there are thousands of people whose safety is also at risk; some are policemen who are looking out for us and some are people who can’t even afford essentials. So, at the end of the day, it is his duty to help them. He’s taking all necessary precautions like wearing masks and sanitizing.

“If you can, please help. It takes little but gives them a lot.”

Mahindra salutes people like Mukesh who believe that the only way to fight our way back is to fight together with love in our actions and kindness in our hearts.

If you know someone who is doing their bit to help the community fight this crisis, tag them or share their stories with us in the comments!

We will bring forth more such stories of #PeopleWhoRise across our social media handles.

The lockdown has left migrant workers without jobs, and forced them to head back to their rural homes. This story of a person who chose to help them in whichever way possible, is a reminder to all of us, to not stop at ‘how will my individual efforts make a difference?’.